Kudos to the outstanding hard work of many months of planning, discussion and execution by a dedicated corp of individuals comprising the Organizing Committee of Aikido Celebration 2011!

No battle plan survives the first squirmish, and an undertaking of this historic magnitude certainly encountered its share of challenges, anticipated and otherwise.

Nonetheless, as a first hand observer and honored participant in that magical weekend, I witnessed an awesome display of talent, initiative, patience and fortitude by many individuals and established and long existing Aikido groups and dojos in Hawaii. The famed spirit of Kokua (help), Mahalo ( gratitude ), and of Aloha (uncompromising and unconditional gift of love and respect) was alive and well.

Thank you, Hawaii's awesome family of Aikido faithful, for you certainly came through in the end, and made us all proud to be a part of your marvelous celebration of the Founder's Aikido.